JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A dropped pass from days gone by changed the way Nate Washington approaches catching the football.

On Sunday, the Titans wide receiver put his technique on full display with the game-winning touchdown catch against the Jaguars.

Washington got behind the defense and stuck out his hands to catch Ryan Fitzpatrick’s pass for a 30-yard score in the 20-16 victory.

He reached out to snag the ball before it hit his body.

“Five years ago at Indianapolis I dropped a deep ball because I allowed the ball to get here,’’ Washington said, pointing to his chest. “I’ve never trusted body again. I want to grab everything with my hands. “I grabbed this one with my hands. … I was glad I was able to make the play to help this team win.”

Washington made a number of big plays on Sunday. He finished with six catches for 117 yards and the touchdown.

Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said coaches liked Washington’s matchup against the Jaguars defense, as well as the ninth-year pro’s approach during the week.

“I give Nate a lot of credit because he practiced really well all week and looked young and fast,’’ Loggains said.” His energy showed up.”

It was Washington’s third 100-yard game of the season. He became the first Titans receiver to record three 100-yard games in a season since Drew Bennett in 2006.

No Titans target had more than four catches against the Jaguars. Tight end Delanie Walker (4 catches, 35 yards) and wide receivers Kendall Wright (4-22) and Justin Hunter (no catches) were held in check.

“You never really know going into a game whose game it is going to be, and that is a good thing for us as an offense. If you would’ve asked me before the game I am sure I would have said Kendall, Delanie or Justin,’’ Fitzpatrick said. ”Nate is such a solid pro. You never know when it is going to be his day. He has been so reliable and a guy I really trust.”

Stingily starts: With tackle David Stewart inactive because of a shoulder injury, the Titans gave third-year pro Byron Stingily his third career start – and his first this season.

Stingily was clearly beaten on one sack by Jaguars defensive end Jason Babin, but he was also part of a line that helped the Titans churn out 182 rushing yards.

“I’ve still got a lot of stuff I’ve got to work on,” Stingily said. “I can’t be satisfied or think that’s enough. I’ve just got to keep working.”

The Titans want to see what kind of potential they have in Stingily — a sixth-round pick out of Louisville in 2011 — with the possibility that Stewart, a ninth-year pro who battled a number of injuries this season, won’t be back next year.

Meester catch: The Jaguars did everything possible to make Sunday special for center Brad Meester, who is retiring at the end of the season after 14 years.

They announced him to the EverBank Field crowd before the game and held a ceremony for him on the field after the game.

The Jaguars even threw him a pass early in the game. The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder caught it and rumbled 9 yards for a first down.

Coach Mike Munchak recalled how the Titans had a similar play designed for Bruce Matthews at the end of his playing career.

To a man, the Titans spoke of Meester with great respect.

“It was fun to see a guy like that who has put in so many years and played so hard to get (a play) like that,’’ tackle Michael Roos said. “I’m happy for him. He’s had a hell of a career.”

Big block: Safety Bernard Pollard’s blocked extra point following Jacksonville’s second touchdown turned out to be a big play.

By the end of the game it meant the Jaguars couldn’t kick a field goal to tie.

Pollard also blocked a field goal against the Chargers on Sept. 22.

“One thing we emphasize is just because they score we can still be a difference-maker on the extra point,’’ Pollard said. “As a defense, we just wanted to make a play.”

Subbing linebacker: Colin McCarthy started at outside linebacker, but Zach Brown also played a good number of snaps in the second half.

Brown started 12 of the first 14 games but was benched during the second half last week against the Cardinals.

Zaviar Gooden, who was expected to play against the Jaguars, was deactivated.